text:
Department of Health and Human Services
Participating Organizations
National Institutes of Health (NIH), (http://www.nih.gov/)
Components of Participating Organizations
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), (http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/)
Title: Structural Analyses of the Ligand-Binding Properties of Taste and Smell Receptors
Announcement Type
Update: The following update relating to this announcement has been issued:
Program Announcement (PA) Number: PA-05-154
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number(s)
Key Dates
Release Date: August 18, 2005
Letters of Intent Receipt Date(s): Not Applicable
Application Submission Dates(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm for details
Peer Review Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htmfor details
Council Review Date(s): Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm for details
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: Standard dates apply, please see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm for details
Additional Information To Be Available Date (Url Activation Date): Not Applicable
EXPIRATION DATE for R21 Non-AIDS Applications: March 2, 2006
EXPIRATION DATE for R21 AIDS and AIDS-Related Applications: May 2, 2006
Expiration Date for R01 Non-AIDS Applications: November 2, 2006
Expiration Date for R01 AIDS and AIDS-Related Applications: January 3, 2007
Due Dates for E.O. 12372
Not Applicable
Additional Overview Content
Executive Summary
Part II. Full Text of Announcement
Section I. Funding Opportunity Description
1. Research Objectives
Section II. Award Information
1. Mechanism(s) of Support
2. Funds Available
Section III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
A. Eligible Institutions
B. Eligible Individuals
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
3. Other - Special Eligibility Criteria
Section IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Information
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
3. Submission Dates and Times
A. Submission, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
1. Letter of Intent
B. Sending an Application to the NIH
C. Application Processing
4. Intergovernmental Review
5. Funding Restrictions
Section V. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
2. Review and Selection Process
A. Additional Review Criteria
B. Additional Review Considerations
C. Sharing Research Data
D. Sharing Research Resources
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Section VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
3. Reporting
Section VII. Agency Contact(s)
1. Scientific/Research Contact(s)
2. Peer Review Contact(s)
3. Financial/ Grants Management Contact(s)
Section VIII. Other Information - Required Federal Citations
Part II - Full Text of Announcement1. Research Objectives
In April, 2004, a special satellite symposium entitled "Chemosensory Receptors" occurred at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. The symposium included leaders from the taste and smell community who represented a wide range of inquiry into vertebrate and invertebrate chemosensory model systems. The topics of the symposium included genomics, signal transduction mechanisms, receptor expression, receptor-ligand interactions, development, and coding. Participants were asked to identify unresolved issues, suggest priorities, formulate a list of gap areas, and to identify obstacles and actions needed to facilitate progress in understanding chemosensory development, signal processing, and peripheral and central coding.
Objectives of this research program
One area of research that was discussed as needing a focused research commitment is the study of the structural properties of taste and smell receptors, ligand-binding and receptor activation. Little is known about the receptor activation process per se , and the molecular events and conformational changes that precede such receptor activation. The extracellular and/or transmembrane distribution of ligand-binding sites are not well characterized for several types of receptors, This situation is in marked contrast to the wealth of studies on the signal transduction cascades that occur after receptor activation.
The various olfactory receptors and some types of taste receptors are G-protein coupled receptors. In the case of the olfactory system, genomic studies have shown much divergence within the transmembrane domain of the olfactory receptor. Such divergence is believed to be necessary in order to recognize the broad range of odorants that are encountered in the environment. A further understanding of the underlying structural bases for such diversity may provide important clues about ligand recognition, combinations of ligand binding and relative affinities across receptors, and odor coding. In the taste system, sweet-tasting compounds represent a diverse category of molecules, including relatively large proteins (monellin and brazzein), carbohydrates (sucrose), and synthetic sweeteners (saccharin, cyclamate). Since each type of sweetener possesses very different molecular conformations, it is believed that each associates with a different extracellular binding site and/or transmembrane domain of the heterodimeric sweet receptor. However, in most cases, the locations of the various binding sites and any structural conformational changes that might occur prior to receptor activation are not known.
In both smell and taste, elucidation of the interactions between the ligand and receptor provides crucial information needed to develop a wide range of health-related products, including non-caloric, palatable artificial sweeteners, sweet antagonists, bitter-blockers that moderate the undesirable bitterness of pediatric and HIV medications, and scented lures to the control the spread of infectious disease by insects (e.g., malaria by the Anopheles mosquito). In a broader context, a better understanding of the ligand binding attributes of smell and taste receptors will offer insights as to the general features of ligand recognition by G-protein coupled receptors, a class of receptor that is frequently targeted by drugs.
The study of any component of the receptor activation pathway is appropriate for this PA. Membrane proteins of particular interest include the G-protein coupled sweet, bitter, glutamate, and other amino acid taste receptors, and the olfactory, vomeronasal and septal organ smell receptors. Any similar study of the associated transport proteins and second messenger systems involved in the chemosensory signal transduction cascade would also be appropriate.
Collaborations with individuals outside the chemosensory community with expertise in membrane proteins and their structural analyses are encouraged to apply. The issues of membrane protein structure, binding attributes, and conformational changes are examples of essential elements of this PA. Such issues must be placed in the context of hypothesis-driven biological questions about chemosensory function. Technological- and methodological-based applications that lack a component focused specifically on chemosensory function are more appropriately directed to the NIH Structural Biology Road Map initiative (http://nihroadmap.nih.gov) or the program announcement, Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins, PA-02-108 (http://grants.nih.gov//grants/guide/pa-files/PA-02-108.html).
Illustrative examples of topics that would be responsive to this PA include but are not limited to the following:
See Section VIII, Other Information - Required Federal Citations, for policies related to this announcement.
Section II. Award Information1. Mechanism(s) of Support
This funding opportunity will use the NIH investigator-initiated research project grants (R01) and exploratory/developmental (R21) award mechanism(s). As an applicant, you will be solely responsible for planning, directing, and executing the proposed project.
This funding opportunity uses just-in-time concepts. It also uses the modular as well as the non-modular budget formats (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm). Specifically, if you are submitting an application with direct costs in each year of $250,000 or less, use the modular budget format described in the PHS 398 application instructions. Otherwise follow the instructions for non-modular research grant applications.
2. Funds Available
No set-aside funds are available for this funding opportunity. Applicants may request up to 5 years of support for R01 awards with costs appropriately tailored to the proposed work. No limit is set on the costs requested by R01 applicants. An R21 applicant may request a project period of up to 2 years with a combined budget for direct costs of up $275,000 for the 2-year period. For example, the applicant may request $100,000 in the first year and $175,000 in the second year. The request should be tailored to the needs of the project. Normally, no more than $200,000 may be requested in any single year. Because the nature and scope of the proposed research will vary from application to application, it is anticipated that the size and duration of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans of the NIDCD provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this funding opportunity are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.
Facilities and administrative costs requested by consortium participants are not included in the direct cost limitation, see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-05-004.html.
Section III. Eligibility Information1. Eligible Applicants
1.A. Eligible Institutions
You may submit (an) application(s) if your organization has any of the following characteristics:
1.B. Eligible Individuals
Any individual with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH programs.
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
This program does not require cost sharing as defined in the current NIH Grants Policy Statement at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/nihgps_Part2.htm#matching_or_cost_sharing.
3. Other-Special Eligibility Criteria
Not applicable
1. Address to Request Application Information
The PHS 398 application instructions are available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in an interactive format. Applicants must use the currently approved version of the PHS 398. For further assistance contact GrantsInfo, Telephone (301) 710-0267, Email: email@example.com.
Telecommunications for the hearing impaired: TTY 301-451-5936.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
Applications must be prepared using the most current PHS 398 research grant application instructions and forms. Applications must have a D&B Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements. The D&B number can be obtained by calling (866) 705-5711 or through the web site at http://www.dnb.com/us/. The D&B number should be entered on line 11 of the face page of the PHS 398 form.
The title and number of this funding opportunity must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the application form and the YES box must be checked.
For specific instructions on preparing R21 applications, see the link at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/r21.htm. Please note that Items a - d of the Research Plan (Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Preliminary Studies, and Research Design and Methods) may not exceed a total of 15 pages. Use the instructions for the appendix detailed in the PHS 398 except that no more than 5 manuscripts, previously accepted for publication, may be included.
Foreign Organizations
Several special provisions apply to applications submitted by foreign organizations:
Proposed research should provide a unique research opportunity not available in the U.S.
3. Submission Dates and Times
See Section IV.3.A for details.
3.A. Submission, Review and Anticipated Start Dates
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: Not applicable
Application Submission Dates: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
Peer Review Dates: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
Council Review Dates: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
Earliest Anticipated Start Dates: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/submissionschedule.htm
3.A.1. Letter of Intent
A letter of intent is not required for this funding opportunity.
3.B. Sending an Application to the NIH
Applications must be prepared using the research grant application forms found in the PHS 398 instructions for preparing a research grant application. Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application, including the checklist, and five signed photocopies in one package to:
Center for Scientific Review
National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 1040, MSC 7710
Bethesda, MD 20892-7710 (U.S. Postal Service Express or regular mail)
Bethesda, MD 20817 (for express/courier service; non-USPS service)
Personal deliveries of applications are no longer permitted (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-03-040.html).
Applications must be submitted on or before the application receipt/submission dates described above (Section IV.3.A.) and at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/dates.htm. Upon receipt applications will be evaluated for completeness by CSR. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The NIH will not accept any application in response to this funding opportunity that is essentially the same as one currently pending initial merit review unless the applicant withdraws the pending application. The NIH will not accept any application that is essentially the same as one already reviewed. This does not preclude the submission of a substantial revision of an application already reviewed, but such application must include an Introduction addressing the previous critique.
Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding assignment within eight (8) weeks.
4. Intergovernmental Review
This initiative is not subject to intergovernmental review.
All NIH awards are subject to the terms and conditions, cost principles, and other considerations described in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. The Grants Policy Statement can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/policy.htm.
Pre-Award Costs are allowable. A grantee may, at its own risk and without NIH prior approval, incur obligations and expenditures to cover costs up to 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or competing continuation award if such costs: are necessary to conduct the project, and would be allowable under the grant, if awarded, without NIH prior approval. If specific expenditures would otherwise require prior approval, the grantee must obtain NIH approval before incurring the cost. NIH prior approval is required for any costs to be incurred more than 90 days before the beginning date of the initial budget period of a new or competing continuation award.
The incurrence of pre-award costs in anticipation of a competing or non-competing award imposes no obligation on NIH either to make the award or to increase the amount of the approved budget if an award is made for less than the amount anticipated and is inadequate to cover the pre-award costs incurred. NIH expects the grantee to be fully aware that pre-award costs result in borrowing against future support and that such borrowing must not impair the grantee's ability to accomplish the project objectives in the approved time frame or in any way adversely affect the conduct of the project. See NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part6.htm.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Specific Instructions for Modular Grant applications.
Applications requesting up to $250,000 per year in direct costs must be submitted in a modular budget format. The modular budget format simplifies the preparation of the budget in these applications by limiting the level of budgetary detail. Applicants request direct costs in $25,000 modules. Section C of the research grant application instructions for the PHS 398 at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html includes step-by-step guidance for preparing modular budgets. Applicants must use the currently approved version of the PHS 398. Additional information on modular budgets is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/modular/modular.htm.
Specific Instructions for Applications Requesting $500,000 (direct costs) or More per Year.
Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs for any year must carry out the following steps:
1) Contact the IC program staff at least 6 weeks before submitting the application, i.e., as you are developing plans for the study;
2) Obtain agreement from the IC staff that the IC will accept your application for consideration for award; and,
3) Include a cover letter with the application that identifies the staff member and IC who agreed to accept assignment of the application.
This policy applies to all investigator-initiated new (type 1), competing continuation (type 2), competing supplement, or any amended or revised version of these grant application types. Additional information on this policy is available in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, October 19, 2001 at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-004.html.
Plan for Sharing Research Data
The precise content of the data-sharing plan will vary, depending on the data being collected and how the investigator is planning to share the data. Applicants who are planning to share data may wish to describe briefly the expected schedule for data sharing, the format of the final dataset, the documentation to be provided, whether or not any analytic tools also will be provided, whether or not a data-sharing agreement will be required and, if so, a brief description of such an agreement (including the criteria for deciding who can receive the data and whether or not any conditions will be placed on their use), and the mode of data sharing (e.g., under their own auspices by mailing a disk or posting data on their institutional or personal website, through a data archive or enclave). Investigators choosing to share under their own auspices may wish to enter into a data-sharing agreement. References to data sharing may also be appropriate in other sections of the application.
Applicants requesting more than $500,000 in direct costs in any year of the proposed research must include a plan for sharing research data in their application. The funding organization will be responsible for monitoring the data sharing policy (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing).
The reasonableness of the data sharing plan or the rationale for not sharing research data may be assessed by the reviewers. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed data sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or the priority score.
Sharing Research Resources
NIH policy requires that grant awardee recipients make unique research resources readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community after publication (NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part7.htm#_Toc54600131). Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a plan for sharing research resources addressing how unique research resources will be shared or explain why sharing is not possible.
The adequacy of the resources sharing plan and any related data sharing plans will be considered by Program staff of the funding organization when making recommendations about funding applications. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm). See Section VI.3. Reporting.
Section V. Application Review Information1. Criteria
Only the review criteria described below will be considered in the review process.
2. Review and Selection Process
Applications submitted for this funding opportunity will be assigned to the NIDCD on the basis of established PHS referral guidelines.
Appropriate scientific review groups convened in accordance with the standard NIH peer review procedures (http://www.csr.nih.gov/refrev.htm) will evaluate applications for scientific and technical merit.
As part of the initial merit review, all applications will:
The following will be considered in making funding decisions:
The goals of NIH supported research are to advance our understanding of biological systems, to improve the control of disease, and to enhance health. In their written critiques, reviewers will be asked to comment on each of the following criteria in order to judge the likelihood that the proposed research will have a substantial impact on the pursuit of these goals. Each of these criteria will be addressed and considered in assigning the overall score, weighting them as appropriate for each application. Note that an application does not need to be strong in all categories to be judged likely to have major scientific impact and thus deserve a high priority score. For example, an investigator may propose to carry out important work that by its nature is not innovative but is essential to move a field forward.
Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge or clinical practice be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, services, or preventative interventions that drive this field?
Approach: Are the conceptual or clinical framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, well reasoned, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics?
Innovation: Is the project original and innovative? For example: Does the project challenge existing paradigms or clinical practice; address an innovative hypothesis or critical barrier to progress in the field? Does the project develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies for this area?
Investigators: Are the investigators appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers? Does the investigative team bring complementary and integrated expertise to the project (if applicable)?
Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed studies benefit from unique features of the scientific environment, or subject populations, or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support?
2.A. Additional Review Criteria:
In addition to the above criteria, the following items will continue to be considered in the determination of scientific merit and the priority score:
Protection of Human Subjects from Research Risk: The involvement of human subjects and protections from research risk relating to their participation in the proposed research will be assessed (see the Research Plan, Section E on Human Subjects in the PHS Form 398).
Inclusion of Women, Minorities and Children in Research: The adequacy of plans to include subjects from both genders, all racial and ethnic groups (and subgroups), and children as appropriate for the scientific goals of the research will be assessed. Plans for the recruitment and retention of subjects will also be evaluated (see the Research Plan, Section E on Human Subjects in the PHS Form 398).
Care and Use of Vertebrate Animals in Research: If vertebrate animals are to be used in the project, the five items described under Section F of the PHS Form 398 research grant application instructions will be assessed.
Biohazards: If materials or procedures are proposed that are potentially hazardous to research personnel and/or the environment, determine if the proposed protection is adequate.
2.B. Additional Review Considerations
Budget: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested period of support in relation to the proposed research. The priority score should not be affected by the evaluation of the budget.
2.C. Sharing Research Data
Data Sharing Plan: The reasonableness of the data sharing plan or the rationale for not sharing research data may be assessed by the reviewers. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed data sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or the priority score. The funding organization will be responsible for monitoring the data sharing policy. http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing.
2.D. Sharing Research Resources
NIH policy requires that grant awardee recipients make unique research resources readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community after publication (See the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps/part_ii_5.htm#availofrr and http://www.ott.nih.gov/policy/rt_guide_final.html). Investigators responding to this funding opportunity should include a sharing research resources plan addressing how unique research resources will be shared or explain why sharing is not possible.
The adequacy of the resources sharing plan will be assessed by the reviewers. However, reviewers will not factor the proposed sharing plan into the determination of scientific merit or the priority score. Program staff may negotiate modifications of the resource sharing plans with the awardee before recommending funding of an application. The final version of the resource sharing plans negotiated by both will become a condition of the award of the grant. The effectiveness of the resource sharing will be evaluated as part of the administrative review of each non-competing Grant Progress Report (PHS 2590). See Section VI.3. Reporting.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Not applicable
1. Award Notices
After the peer review of the application is completed, the Principal Investigator will also receive a written critique called a Summary Statement.
If the application is under consideration for funding, NIH will request "just-in-time" information from the applicant. For details, applicants may refer to the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part4.htm).
A formal notification in the form of a Notice of Award (NoA) will be provided to the applicant organization. The NoA signed by the grants management officer is the authorizing document. Once all administrative and programmatic issues have been resolved, the NoA will be generated via email notification from the awarding component to the grantee business official (designated in item 14 on the Application Face Page). If a grantee is not email enabled, a hard copy of the NoA will be mailed to the business official.
Selection of an application for award is not an authorization to begin performance. Any costs incurred before receipt of the NoA are at the recipient's risk. These costs may be reimbursed only to the extent considered allowable pre-award costs. See Also Section IV.5. Funding Restrictions.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
All NIH grant and cooperative agreement awards include the NIH Grants Policy Statement as part of the Notice of Award. For these terms of award, see the NIH Grants Policy Statement Part II: Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart A: General (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_Part4.htm) and Part II Terms and Conditions of NIH Grant Awards, Subpart B: Terms and Conditions for Specific Types of Grants, Grantees, and Activities (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/NIHGPS_part9.htm).
Awardees will be required to submit the PHS Non-Competing Grant Progress Report, Form 2590 annually (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/2590/2590.htm) and financial statements as required in the NIH Grants Policy Statement.
Section VII. Agency ContactsWe encourage your inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into three areas: scientific/research, peer review, and financial or grants management issues:
1. Scientific/Research Contacts:
Barry J. Davis, Ph.D.
Director, Taste and Smell Program/NIDCD
6120 Executive Blvd., MSC-7180
EPS, Suite 400-C
Bethesda MD 20892-7180
Voice: 301-402-3464
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
2. Peer Review Contacts:
Not Applicable
3. Financial or Grants Management Contacts:
Chris Myers
Grants Management Officer
EPS, Room 400 C
6120 Executive Blvd, MSC-7180
Bethesda , MD 20892-7180
Telephone: (301) 402-0909
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Required Federal Citations
Use of Animals in Research:
Recipients of PHS support for activities involving live, vertebrate animals must comply with PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/PHSPolicyLabAnimals.pdf) as mandated by the Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/olaw/references/hrea1985.htm), and the USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/usdaleg1.htm) as applicable.
Human Subjects Protection:
Federal regulations (45CFR46) require that applications and proposals involving human subjects must be evaluated with reference to the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained (http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm).
Data and Safety Monitoring Plan:
Data and safety monitoring is required for all types of clinical trials, including physiologic toxicity and dose-finding studies (phase I); efficacy studies (Phase II); efficacy, effectiveness and comparative trials (Phase III). Monitoring should be commensurate with risk. The establishment of data and safety monitoring boards (DSMBs) is required for multi-site clinical trials involving interventions that entail potential risks to the participants (NIH Policy for Data and Safety Monitoring, NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not98-084.html).
Sharing Research Data:
Investigators submitting an NIH application seeking $500,000 or more in direct costs in any single year are expected to include a plan for data sharing or state why this is not possible (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/data_sharing).
Investigators should seek guidance from their institutions, on issues related to institutional policies and local IRB rules, as well as local, State and Federal laws and regulations, including the Privacy Rule. Reviewers will consider the data sharing plan but will not factor the plan into the determination of the scientific merit or the priority score.
Access to Research Data through the Freedom of Information Act:
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-110 has been revised to provide access to research data through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) under some circumstances. Data that are (1) first produced in a project that is supported in whole or in part with Federal funds and (2) cited publicly and officially by a Federal agency in support of an action that has the force and effect of law (i.e., a regulation) may be accessed through FOIA. It is important for applicants to understand the basic scope of this amendment. NIH has provided guidance at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/a110/a110_guidance_dec1999.htm. Applicants may wish to place data collected under this funding opportunity in a public archive, which can provide protections for the data and manage the distribution for an indefinite period of time. If so, the application should include a description of the archiving plan in the study design and include information about this in the budget justification section of the application. In addition, applicants should think about how to structure informed consent statements and other human subjects procedures given the potential for wider use of data collected under this award.
Sharing of Model Organisms:
NIH is committed to support efforts that encourage sharing of important research resources including the sharing of model organisms for biomedical research (see http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/model_organism/index.htm). At the same time the NIH recognizes the rights of grantees and contractors to elect and retain title to subject inventions developed with Federal funding pursuant to the Bayh Dole Act (see the NIH Grants Policy Statement http://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/nihgps_2003/index.htm). All investigators submitting an NIH application or contract proposal, beginning with the October 1, 2004 receipt date, are expected to include in the application/proposal a description of a specific plan for sharing and distributing unique model organism research resources generated using NIH funding or state why such sharing is restricted or not possible. This will permit other researchers to benefit from the resources developed with public funding. The inclusion of a model organism sharing plan is not subject to a cost threshold in any year and is expected to be included in all applications where the development of model organisms is anticipated.
Inclusion of Women And Minorities in Clinical Research:
It is the policy of the NIH that women and members of minority groups and their sub-populations must be included in all NIH-supported clinical research projects unless a clear and compelling justification is provided indicating that inclusion is inappropriate with respect to the health of the subjects or the purpose of the research. This policy results from the NIH Revitalization Act of 1993 (Section 492B of Public Law 103-43). All investigators proposing clinical research should read the "NIH Guidelines for Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-02-001.html); a complete copy of the updated Guidelines is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/women_min/guidelines_amended_10_2001.htm. The amended policy incorporates: the use of an NIH definition of clinical research; updated racial and ethnic categories in compliance with the new OMB standards; clarification of language governing NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials consistent with the new PHS Form 398; and updated roles and responsibilities of NIH staff and the extramural community. The policy continues to require for all NIH-defined Phase III clinical trials that: a) all applications or proposals and/or protocols must provide a description of plans to conduct analyses, as appropriate, to address differences by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic groups, including subgroups if applicable; and b) investigators must report annual accrual and progress in conducting analyses, as appropriate, by sex/gender and/or racial/ethnic group differences.
Inclusion of Children as Participants in Clinical Research:
The NIH maintains a policy that children (i.e., individuals under the age of 21) must be included in all clinical research, conducted or supported by the NIH, unless there are scientific and ethical reasons not to include them.
All investigators proposing research involving human subjects should read the "NIH Policy and Guidelines" on the inclusion of children as participants in research involving human subjects (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/children/children.htm).
Required Education on the Protection of Human Subject Participants:
NIH policy requires education on the protection of human subject participants for all investigators submitting NIH applications for research involving human subjects and individuals designated as key personnel. The policy is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-00-039.html.
Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC):
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text:
Request to Amend Accountability Plan – North Carolina – NCLB Policy Letters to States
June 23, 2010
The Honorable June Atkinson
Superintendent of Public Instruction
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
301 North Wilmington Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-2825
Dear Superintendent Atkinson:
I am writing in response to North Carolina's request to amend its state accountability plan under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Following discussions between the Department and your staff, you made certain changes to North Carolina's accountability plan, which are now included in the amended state accountability plan that North Carolina submitted to the Department on February 15, 2010. I am pleased to approve North Carolina's amended plan, which we will post on the Department's website. A summary of North Carolina's requested amendments is enclosed with this letter. As you know, any further requests to amend North Carolina's accountability plan must be submitted to the Department for review and approval as required by section 1111(f)(2) of Title I of the ESEA.
Please also be aware that approval of North Carolina's accountability plan for Title I, including the amendments approved herein, does not indicate that the plan complies with Federal civil rights requirements, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
I am confident that North Carolina will continue to advance its efforts to hold schools and school districts accountable for the achievement of all students. If you need any additional assistance to implement the standards, assessment, and accountability provisions of the ESEA, please do not hesitate to contact email@example.com or email@example.com of my staff.
Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana, Ph.D.
cc: Governor Beverly Perdue
Lou Fabrizio
Amendments to North Carolina's Accountability Plan
The following is a summary of North Carolina's amendment requests. Please refer to the Department's website http://www.ed.govhttps://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/account/stateplans03/index.html for North Carolina's complete accountability plan.
Acceptable amendments
The following amendments are aligned with the statute and regulations:
General clean-up (Element 1.3)
Revision: North Carolina requests that reference to the North Carolina Checklist of Academic Standards (NCCLAS) be removed from the Accountability Workbook.
Determining whether each student subgroup, public school, and local educational agency (LEA) in the state makes AYP (Element 3.2)
Revision: North Carolina request to allow schools and districts to use retest results for tests in grades 3 through 8 and high school end-of-course tests in making AYP determinations. All students that do not score Achievement Level III (proficient) or higher on the initial test administration will be afforded the opportunity to retake the test. The state will use the higher of the two scores from a student (either from the initial test or the first retest) in making AYP determinations.
Inclusion of limited English proficient (LEP) students in statewide assessment (Element 5.4)
Revision: North Carolina requests to change references to "intermediate high" on the State's former language proficiency test (IPT) to "Level 4.0 Expanding" on the State's current language proficiency test (Access for ELLs).

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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text:
Paddy Casey
Irish singer/songwriter Paddy Casey's years as a busker on the streets of Galway and his home town of Dublin served him well. Not only did it allow him to associate from an early age with future breakout artists like Glen Hansard (of the Frames), Mundy, and Mark Dignam, but he developed a keen instinct for the type of melody and songwriting that are immediate and arresting, but with a natural intimacy not often heard in conventional pop music. Though an admitted pure soul devotee, Casey performs music that is heavily informed by its medium — the singer and his acoustic guitar — coming across as if Bob Dylan had taken to imitating Nina Simone, with elements of Prince and Public Enemy thrown in for good measure.
Casey began busking on Dublin's streets in the early '90s while still in his early teens. In 1998, the earnest street musician became a cog in the major-label machine, signing to Sony subsidiary S2 Records at the behest of Spencer Davis Group bassist turned A&R man Muff Winwood, who had spotted Casey performing in Dublin and quickly became enamored. Heading into the studio later that year just to transfer some basic ideas to tape, Casey inadvertently wound up recording his debut album, Amen (So Be It). Released in June of 1999, the album debuted in the Top Twenty of the Irish albums chart, eventually going triple platinum, and was awarded the Best Debut Album award at the Hot Press Irish Music Awards. Perhaps an overly self-conscious statement of the artist's diverse palette, the album was nonetheless accomplished, with a range of styles integrated into his folky soul core, from jazz to funk to reggae, and with hip-hop beats and scratches subtly incorporated; however, Amen (So Be It)'s most endearing moments were its simplest, and Casey soon became well known for his Dylan-esque protest song "Sweet Suburban Sky," which was featured prominently on U.S. television show Dawson's Creek.
Though the album was released in the U.S. in June of 2000, over three years passed before a follow-up was issued, an explanation for his absence alluded to in its title. Living was issued in Ireland in October of 2003 and in the U.K. in March of 2004, following the unprecedented success in Ireland of lead single "Saints and Sinners," eventually going 12 times platinum. The same year, Casey recorded two tracks for charity album Even Better Than the Real Thing, Vol. 2: a new arrangement of "Saints and Sinners" featuring the Dublin Gospel Choir, and an acoustic rendering of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" (a longtime live favorite).Living was reissued in Ireland in November of 2004 as a double-disc set including B-sides and rarities. The staggered release of the album led Casey to be honored with the Best Irish Male award at both the 2004 and 2005 Meteor Irish Music Awards. During the first half of 2007, Casey recorded his third studio album, Addicted to Company, Pt. 1, featuring a guest appearance by former bandmate and solo artist Declan O'Rourke. It was released in Ireland and the U.K. the following September, with the title track simultaneously released as a single.


text:
In TV broadcasts of football matches (soccer matches) there are often long displays along the side of the football field that show advertisements. I guess that these displays are made up of electronic lamps, but in the future it might be possible (albeit technically very difficult) to add the advertisements by just post-processing the TV photo in a computer. In this way TV companies could broadcast international football matches with localized advertisement, for instance with one type of advertisement per country.
Do you know of any examples from TV broadcasts of sport events, where image post-processing have altered the TV photo to adjust for different advertisements?


text:
As winter continues its merry march through our calendar and both Chanukah and Tu B'Shevat are but distant memories, our thoughts turn to the next holiday on the horizon. I would guess that most of you are contemplating Purim, Mishloach Manos and creative costuming ideas. But you might want to set your sights a little further ahead and start giving serious thought to Pesach – because with a little foresight and planning, you can make your Pesach preparations much less daunting.
I am not one of those people who start cleaning for Pesach the minute the menorah gets put away and, in fact, I typically indulge in denial until the last possible moment. However, after making Pesach in my so-called Pesach kitchen for the first time, I realized just how useful a Pesach kitchen could be.
If I close my eyes, I can almost imagine a Pesach kitchen with sleek granite countertops, a gleaming full size oven, a dishwasher, an oversized sink and a microwave in a small but well laid out room. But when I open them, what I see is my actual Pesach kitchen – nothing more than a small oven and a sink, tucked into a small stretch of wall in my laundry room. Surprisingly enough, while the space was crowded and cramped, having the ability to cook and bake for just a few extra days while my family was still eating chometz made making Pesach much less stressful, making me realize that with a minimal investment and a lot of creativity, installing a Pesach kitchen is a very worthwhile home improvement.
There are three basic elements to a Pesach kitchen: a sink, an oven and some sort of workspace. While a stainless steel sink set into a base cabinet is a nice choice and can be kashered if necessary, a freestanding plastic laundry sink can be found at home improvement stores for under $100. Keep your eyes open for an inexpensive oven or consider checking the classified ads for a used range; as long as it is self-cleaning it is relatively easy to kasher. Nestled next to each other on a small stretch of wall, my sink and stove total a very svelte sixty one inches wide by thirty inches deep, although you have to allow some clearance in front in order to be able to open the oven door. It goes without saying that you will need water and electrical hookup, as well as a gas line if you use a gas stove.
What to do about workspace? Assess the space you have and then get creative. In my case, I decided to stack two lightweight, six foot plastic folding tables, one atop the other, in order to give me one surface to work on and another higher surface for stashing supplies that would be nearby, but not in the way. After stacking the two tables, I realized that it was too low, so I elevated the legs of the lower table with two cans of kosher l'Pesach vegetables, duct taped together for extra stability. I found the lighting to be a little dim, but a clip on light solved that problem with ease.
Given that I was working in the Pesach kitchen while the rest of the house was still full of chometz, I took a kamikaze approach to food preparation. I cooked with foil pans and plastic silverware whenever possible, even when cooking on the stovetop. In order to make cleanup easier, I taped a clear plastic tablecloth to my worktable and covered it daily with fresh sheets of newspaper. As the newspaper got dirty, or if I needed to switch my work area from milchig to fleishig, I changed the newspaper, giving me a clean (and pareve) surface to work on. I also used stacks of newspaper as trivets to cool freshly cooked items. Obviously you will need to make sure that any newspaper you use is completely chometz free.
My upper table came in handy time and time again during my cooking marathon. I covered part of the table with towels and used it as a drying area for freshly washed items. A stack of seven ounce plastic cups came in handy both for cracking and checking eggs, and as measuring cups. Another cup kept a stash of inexpensive plastic silverware close at hand and a roll of paper towels was invaluable for cleaning up the inevitable spills. Given that cooking marathons tend to be messy, consider protecting your walls from spills and splatters that are bound to occur around your sink and stovetop. I bought several packages of plastic refrigerator liners in my local discount store and placed them all around my cooking and washing areas, sliding them in against the wall wherever I could and wedging them up against the wall with crumpled balls of foil or even empty egg cartons everywhere else. If you aren't worried about damaging your walls feel free to just tape them.


text:
OAK RIDGE, Tenn., Dec. 15, 1999 - Solar energy could get a mega-boost, effectively gaining a three-fold improvement over conventional technology, with a system being developed at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
The "full-spectrum solar energy system" harnesses the clean and abundant energy found in sunlight and uses that energy more efficiently than is possible with traditional solar energy systems. The technology departs from conventional approaches that focus on using solar energy for a single purpose, such as to generate power.
"Instead of inefficiently converting the visible light found in sunlight into electricity only to reconvert a sizeable portion back into interior light, it makes more sense to just collect and distribute the light directly," said Jeff Muhs, a researcher in ORNL's Engineering Technology Division.
"By using the visible portion of the light spectrum, we can reduce the amount of electricity we consume for lighting commercial buildings," Muhs said. "We can use the other portions of the spectrum to generate electricity."
Interior lighting is the single largest user of electrical power in commercial buildings, accounting for more than a third of all of the electricity consumed commercially in the United States.
The system being developed by Muhs and industry partners uses novel roof-mounted two-axis tracking concentrators that separate the visible and infrared portions of the sun's rays. Using large-diameter optical fibers, it distributes visible light to interiors of buildings. The system converts infrared, or non-visible, portions of the solar spectrum into electricity.
The most economical photovoltaic cells today use silicon-based materials, and the conversion efficiency of these devices is relatively low in most portions of the visible light spectrum.
"Our approach leverages the benefits of concentrating photovoltaic cells in the near-infrared portion of the spectrum, where they are generally more efficient," Muhs said.
Models developed at ORNL and independently verified by Antares Engineers & Economists suggest that the overall efficiency and affordability of solar energy can be improved by as much as threefold in commercial buildings when compared to conventional solar technologies.
To effectively use the visible light from the sun for interior lighting of commercial buildings, it must be combined with artificial light yet still maintain uniform lighting - even when the amount of sunlight changes. Muhs has dubbed this combination of natural and artificial light "hybrid lighting."
The benefits of hybrid lighting include the elimination of glare and variability, better utilization of direct sunlight, the reduction of architectural intrusion and the reduction of energy consumption during peak demand.
"Hybrid lighting is poised to compete with conventional day lighting and conventional solar technologies as the preferred use of solar energy in commercial buildings," Muhs said. "Integrated with full-spectrum solar energy systems, it offers even further advantages."
Industry partners agree that the potential for commercial application of a full-spectrum solar energy system is significant.
"Assuming our goal remains the same, and utility deregulation continues at its ever-increasing pace, full-spectrum approaches like this that take a holistic view of solar energy are the future of solar energy," Muhs said. "The ultimate goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions using solar energy hasn't changed. We're just rethinking how best to do it in commercial buildings where lighting loads and energy costs are high during peak demand periods."
Other prospective partners, including Translight LLC of Pomfret, Conn., share Muhs' optimism.
"Our analyses indicate that there is a realistic opportunity to achieve simple paybacks of less than five years using this hybrid approach to solar energy," said Hanafi Fraval, director of Translight, a manufacturer of large-core optical fibers.
The ORNL-led initiative is also receiving support from the Solar Energy Industries Association in Washington, D.C., and Duke Solar in Raleigh, N.C.
ORNL is a DOE multiprogram research facility managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation.
Story Source:
Materials provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Cite This Page:


text:
{images via Palmer Weiss, Elizabeth Dinkel, Nuevo Estilo, Celerie Kemble, unknown, St. Regis via Life & Style}
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Decor Match Game with Chris Benz's 2011 Resort Collection
{images via Palmer Weiss, Elizabeth Dinkel, Nuevo Estilo, Celerie Kemble, unknown, St. Regis via Life & Style}
26 comments:
- Alisa: a pina colada said...
What creative fun. Love it!
Palmer Weiss... one of my faves!!! - July 27, 2010 at 11:03 PM
- Chedva @Rooms and Words said...
Wow, love the clean design and the pops of color. The Palmer Weiss breakfast nook is on of my faves.
- July 28, 2010 at 2:13 AM
- Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...
Fabulous post! I love that first dress!
- July 28, 2010 at 3:20 AM
- MerciBlahBlah said...
I LOVE this post.
The end.
Shan - July 28, 2010 at 4:23 AM
- nest of posies said...
oh goodness me. the fashion - the design - your post it's all so beautiful. those clothes & accessories are just flawless.
what a beauty of a post to start my morning. ;) - July 28, 2010 at 4:57 AM
Love it! Palmer Weiss is amazing!
- July 28, 2010 at 5:23 AM
- Pretty Pleased said...
Love Love Love this post! The outfit to rooms are a perfect match. Dear Chris Benz, please come to my house and do a makeover!
- July 28, 2010 at 6:25 AM
- Gretchen O. said...
I totally have these colors on the brain! Gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration.
- July 28, 2010 at 6:48 AM
- sarah kusiak said...
nicely done!!! That first dress is fierce.
- July 28, 2010 at 7:28 AM
- Kera said...
give me a freaking break please. xx
- July 28, 2010 at 7:31 AM
I love the first dress soooo much, which reminds me, I was going to ask you if you are still creating things for madame pumphrey?! I miss seeing your gorgeous creations. And as for the last pic of the dinning room, YES PLEASE! if only my crew wouldn't destroy it in seconds... - July 28, 2010 at 7:56 AM
- Unknown said...
I'm feeling inspired by this too! I'm on a yellow kick lately and these images are gorgeous.
- July 28, 2010 at 8:11 AM
- alison (semi-fab lane) said...
i was in love reading this post. i can't decide which i like more, the fashion or the decor...i guess i don't have to choose, just lust and adore over. thanks for the eye candy!
- July 28, 2010 at 9:48 AM
- Mary @ RoomPolish said...
every last image is to die for! Which do I love more, the clothes or the interiors...can't decide! You did a fab fab job matching images up. love it!
- July 28, 2010 at 9:59 AM
- Erin @ SYL: Slipcover Your Life said...
the second dress, with the yellow hem is stunning!
- July 28, 2010 at 10:54 AM
- Unknown said...
What a fun post. Everything dress and room is stunning, really! BTW, I have a giveaway over at my blog http://aspoonfulofdish.blogspot.com, come on over and check it out.
- July 28, 2010 at 4:41 PM
- Nicole said...
- July 28, 2010 at 6:08 PM
- Unknown said...
You're good at this! What a collection.
- July 28, 2010 at 6:45 PM
- Laura said...
Amazing and gorgeous!
- July 29, 2010 at 12:45 AM
- Abby Hunter said...
You did a wonderful job matching fashion to decor...I'm impressed! I feel inspired to try this myself. I LOVE this post!
- July 29, 2010 at 8:40 AM
- littlefolkdesign.wordpress.com said...
You are spot on with all the matchups! I love all the ruffles.
- July 29, 2010 at 8:42 AM
- paula said...
can I just live in these images?
- July 29, 2010 at 2:41 PM
- Pink Wallpaper said...
ohh i like decor match game :)
- July 29, 2010 at 5:42 PM
- Suzanne Anas Jurich said...
I love everything about this post!
- July 29, 2010 at 8:54 PM
- Unknown said...
OK, this might be one of my favorite posts you have done! I love to see fashion and interior design paired together...it goes hand in hand, doesn't it?
- July 30, 2010 at 6:43 AM
- Bringing Lady Back said...
This is absolutely brilliant, you know.
You are a gem. - August 1, 2010 at 1:09 PM


text:
Google made a play for the skies in April when it swept in and acquired Titan Aerospace amid reports that the drone maker was being pursued by Facebook. But Google's interest in hardware companies that provide primary sources of data is not ending there. Google is closing in on a deal for Skybox Imaging, a satellite company that specialises in recording very detailed landscape pictures and video, TechCrunch has heard from three different sources.
Google's interest in Skybox, first reported in April by The Information, had already reached an advanced stage several weeks ago, with the two meeting in at least three rounds of acquisition talks, one source tells us. This was after people in the satellite industry started to hear rumors that Google was eyeing up Skybox, as well as another startup working in a similar area of satellite imaging, Planet Labs.
We now have heard that the deal with Skybox "is happening," with one person estimating the price at roughly $1 billion. The same source said that at Skybox's last fundraising round, when it picked up $70 million in 2012, it was valued at between $500 million and $700 million.
Google has declined to comment for this story, and Skybox did not respond to TechCrunch's requests for comment.
So why might Google be interested in Skybox? There are a few areas where Skybox Imaging — or companies like it — could be attractive to the search giant.
The first is for more data for Google's consumer mapping services.
Currently, Google uses a mixture of sources for Google Earth, the real-world imaging component of Google Maps. Some of those images are more up to date than others, and some are years out of date. Having its own primary source of data, updated regularly, would provide a more reliable and accurate set of data that Google could potentially expand into more consumer-focused products and services.
The second is for more data for Google's B2B business.
Google has a business division called "Earth Enterprise" that provides mapping data for large organizations, institutions and businesses. "Google Earth Enterprise allows you to store and process terabytes of imagery, terrain and vector data on your own server infrastructure, and publish maps securely for your users to view using Google Earth desktop or mobile apps, or through your own application using the Google Maps API," the division notes on its home page.
This seems to be a significant part of the company's enterprise push — significant enough that news and case studies from the division feature prominently on Google's general enterprise blog.
"A constellation of small imaging satellites, like what we already have in place today with RapidEye or what Skybox may have in the future, would give Google a very reliable, rich content source for imagery analytics and related applications," Scott Soenen, CTO at another satellite company, BlackBridge, said. He says his company is planning for the next generation of its own small superspectral satellites that will ramp up imaging capabilities further.
In both of these cases, there are signs of another interesting trend at Google: as the company continues to mature, it is increasingly exploring what other lines of business it might tap in the future beyond its current bread and butter of search-related advertising.
That's important not just for diversification: some believe search ads will decline as the dominant force in digital advertising prominence over the next couple of years. Maps and organizing data in the physical world are clear extensions of Google's core search business.
A third area has to do with how Skybox has been conceived as a company. Founded in 2009 by Julian Mann, Dan Berkenstock, Ching-Yu Hu, and John Fenwick, the startup has gone some way towards figuring out how to commercialise its data, rather than provide simple data sources for others to configure as many other companies in the commercial satellite industry have done.
"Skybox is looking very far downstream, and that's an approach where people have not been very successful," Soenen says. In that regard, Google appears to be interested not just in data but also some of the talent that's figuring out interesting ways of using it.
A pricey and dicey game
But! There are some caveats to the Skybox information that we have heard, which are worth noting here, as they explain a bit more about the state of play in the satellite business at the moment.
The first is about the target. We have heard that Google is interested in making a play for a satellite imaging company. But there are a number of companies out there that are using small satellites and other technology to record the earth's terrain that could fit the bill.
They include BlackBridge, which has a business called RapidEye. This provides wide-scale images of large landscapes, covering around 5 million square kilometers of ground each day; last week it picked up $22 million in funding to expand that business with more satellites. Urthecast, meanwhile, is up there creating video streams of what's happening down below.
Planet Labs, backed by the likes of DFJ, Yuri Milner and Founders Fund among many others, has deployed nearly 30 of its "birds" — which it calls "Doves" — to continuously record and send images of the earth. While companies like BlackBridge and Urthecast are producing data that is complementary to that of Skybox, Planet Labs is more of a direct competitor, it seems.
There are more companies looking to get in on the opportunity, too. OmniEarth this week announced a partnership with Harris Corp., Draper Laboratory and Dynetics to deploy up to 18 satellites to cover 100% of the earth once a day.
"This system will generate up to 60 petabytes of scientific quality Earth observation data annually to feed the next generation of Big Data analytics," Lars Dyrud, president and CEO of OmniEarth, said in a statement. "Our planned satellite constellation will provide the platform for users who need high-quality analytics-friendly imagery to automatically extract commerce and environmental information and make predictions."
Given that initially the rumors were that Google might be looking at a satellite company, possibly Planet Labs or Skybox, it could be that there is intentionally inaccurate information being spread to throw people off the trail of who Google may really be pursuing.
The second caveat is about Skybox itself.
We've heard from two different sources that the company, which has raised $91 million to date from a number of investors that include Khosla Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners (disclosure: CrunchFund, founded by TechCrunch founder Michael Arrington, is also an investor), will need to raise more money soon if it doesn't make an exit.
That's because building and launching satellites — even the small satellites that Skybox bases its business around — is a pricey game, with the cost to make one device potentially running into the millions, without operational and launch costs for that bird factored in. (Relatively speaking, these are small numbers in the satellite industry, with the types of devices made by the likes of BlackBridge, Skybox and Planet Labs often referred to as "low cost".)
JP Morgan is among the financiers that we've heard mentioned in the context of raising another round. Spreading reports that the company is in play with Google could be advantageous both to current investors looking for a good valuation for the company, as well as for the company as it looks for new backers.
And it turns out that the satellite game is not only pricey, but dicey, too.
Skybox's existing data comes from the single bird that it currently has in orbit.
It recently put in an order for some 13 more devices to be built by Space Systems/Loral, set for a launch in 2015/2016, but more immediately it has plans to launch its second satellite by the end of June. "Think of that June date as a kind of deadline for Skybox," one source told us. "Either for an exit, or getting that financing round in place."
Satellite launches typically take place as "secondary passengers" on larger spacecraft, with many of launches of larger spacecraft getting partly or fully funded by the government.
In the case of Skybox, its plan had been to send its second satellite up piggybacking on the launch of a Soyuz vehicle scheduled to go out from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is in Kazakhstan but is fully controlled by the Russian government.
In the wake of sanctions between the U.S. and Russia over tensions in Ukraine — the U.S. State Department on April 28 said it would bar exports, possibly even retroactively, of satellites to Russia if they "contribute to Russia's military capabilities" — there have been a lot of question marks over how launches from Baikonur would be affected.
SpaceNews reported earlier this month that a Canadian satellite, which was supposed to piggyback on the same Soyuz launch as Skybox's bird, was barred by the Canadian government from doing so, citing the Ukrainian situation.
Skybox declined to comment to SpaceNews about the impact of the political tension between the U.S. and Russia. Skybox's are commercial satellites, but even so, the U.S. government has included commercial launches in past restrictions, such as in the case of launches from China.
The launch situation is complicated, but not insurmountable. "India has a very successful launch program, and there are commercial options in the US such as with SpaceX," notes Soenen from Blackbridge. "So there are a handful of other options for a low-cost satellite launch."
The one satellite that Skybox has up "doesn't give them much capacity," as Soenen puts it. "They wouldn't be able to do that until they have their full constellation up there." But nevertheless it is producing some interesting data already. "Beautiful, just beautiful," is how another industry source described it to me.
In other words, if Google does end up buying any satellite business, it will be but one high step, and a long-term bet, into a more data-rich, map-filled future.
Additional reporting by Jonathan Shieber


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Voters may have had different reasons for approving the proposal to decriminalize marijuana. Those reasons may or may not include having commercial marijuana enterprises in their community.
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A scientific survey is being utilized to ensure a proper representation of November 2018 Royal Oak voters are reached. Additionally, the March 4 town hall (and any future town hall or public meetings scheduled) are advertised on the city's social media outlets; our website and announced through the eBlast News which is delivered via email to every household in Royal Oak who has registered.
Available statistics do not indicate a rise in criminal activity in Michigan communities that currently house medical marijuana commercial enterprises. Business operators protect their properties and their investment with state-of-the-art security measures.
While you may not think it seems to fit, a majority of Royal Oak voters did approve the ballot initiative that, among other things, legalized the recreational / adult-use marijuana statewide. Recreational adult use marijuana is now legal and Royal Oak has no authority under state law to change that. We cannot say how it might benefit families and children, other than if the city allows commercial marijuana business there is a potential for some financial gain through a share of the excise tax, however, even if we were to be a part of this, there is no way to forecast how much money the city could gain.
Positive economic impact would include the collection of fees for business licensing procedures, which have to be reasonably related to the administering and enforcing of the MMRTM Act; property taxes and the inclusion for revenue sharing with the State of Michigan.
The city cannot defy state law. It is now lawful for individuals 21-years of age and older to use marijuana -- as long as those individuals are legally possessing and using marijuana.
If a resident is on their private property using marijuana legally (over the age of 21-years and have 2.5 ounces or less), the Royal Oak Police Department cannot stop them.
This is one of the questions the city needs to address and why the city commission is seeking opinions from voters. If Royal Oak decides this is a use they would like to permit, lease agreements for individuals having private events would need to be amended to cover provisions for allowing marijuana to be consumed legally at private events and insurance requirements for those individuals would need to be considered.
We cannot say with any certainty how this new law will affect any of our special events, however, certain violations, like smoking marijuana in public, will be strictly enforced by the police department.


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"Hey, hey, ho, ho, sequestration has got to go," IRS workers chanted at a rally in downtown Manhattan this week, waving neon-colored signs protesting government spending cuts and impending furloughs.
Known as the sequester, the cuts will wipe $600 million from the IRS's budget this year, forcing the agency's nearly 100,000 employees to be furloughed without pay for up to seven days. The furlough days will begin May 24 and will be spread out among separate pay periods.
The National Treasury Employees Union, which organized Tuesday's rally, said the IRS brings in 93% of the revenue used to fund the federal government and $1 invested in the IRS brings a $7 return from collections, so shutting operations down for five days will only serve to reduce revenue and boost the deficit.
Related: Check out the protesters (and their signs)
To send a message to Congress, NTEU has been holding protests across the country. Tuesday's rally was the biggest so far, with hundreds of workers in attendance.
Not only will these furloughs impact taxpayers, who will likely see long wait times for assistance and fewer audits, but IRS employees are worried about the financial hit they'll take without a full week of pay.
Cheryl Lassiter, who has worked as an IRS auditor in New York for 33 years, is single and cares for her elderly mother in North Carolina who is struggling through terminal cancer.
"I live paycheck-to-paycheck, so if something comes up I really hope I have [the money]," said 53-year-old Lassiter. "I was going down to see [my mother] for Memorial Day, but I did a budget analysis and decided not to go because I better save my money."
Related: Many early tax filers still waiting for refunds
If money gets really tight, she said she would consider getting a second job in retail.
Overall, IRS employees will lose about $160 to $400 per day, depending on their position, estimates John Kelshaw, a tax appeals officer at the IRS and president of the New Jersey NTEU chapter.
Another auditor, Edward Filistowicz, said he switched to a cheaper cell phone plan, is cutting back on spending and putting more into savings in order to prepare for the five days without pay. He also plans to spend those days calling Congress and telling them to get their act together.
Peter Dinicola, who has worked at the IRS for 10 years as a contract specialist, is also bracing for the cut.
Related: Spending cut bright spot: Fewer IRS audits
"My mortgage payment is half a month's salary, so I'll have to dig into savings," said Dinicola.
The furloughs just compound the financial issues for federal employees who are facing pay freezes for the third year in a row, and many also worry that a shrinking budget will also lead the IRS to eliminate its performance bonuses.
Catherine Ficco, an auditor who has worked at the IRS for 23 years, said she plans to send her 13-year-old twins to a less expensive summer camp this year because she won't have the means to afford the more expensive camp they have attended for the past seven years.
Sharyn Phillips, an estate and gift tax auditor who is supporting her ill husband who retired five years ago, isn't even sure how hard the furloughs will hit her yet.
"I've never experienced a time when I wasn't working, so I've never had to budget in a no-pay day," said Phillips. "I've already had a pay freeze for three years and now with five days of furloughs, it just makes things more difficult. And expenses only go up -- my bills don't shut down."


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Could 'cooling' formulations be the next big thing in color cosmetics?
"As we've seen in the fast growing BB Creams category, the color cosmetics is becoming much more blurred with the skin care category. It's not necessarily anything new, but it is being taken to far greater length with the latest generation of product launches that we're seeing on the market," said Rudd.
At last month's in-cosmetics Asia event in Bangkok, Thailand, Mintel were showcasing a number of groundbreaking products that are tipped for greater things in the coming months. One of these was a color cosmetics powder from Japanese cosmetics player Harbo that has been designed to have cooling properties.
So cool there may be no need for air-con...
"I think this product is amazing. It was created in response to the Japanese Tsunami disaster a
fter the government asked consumers to cut back on energy consumption, as there were significant power shortages after the Tsunami struck, and one of the ways to respond to this was to cut back on air conditioning," Rudd explained.
"Cosmetics companies responded by coming up with products that contained soothing sensations. Harbo developed what is called moisture release technology in a loose powder form. When you touch your finger in the powder you get an instant sensation of coolness combined with moistness, even though it's in powder form. That disappears when you put the powder on the skin, but it's that instant sensation and the pyschological impact that it has which is important."
Rudd believes that this idea could be developed into a a global launch, particularly as most cosmetic companies bring out seasonal collections.
"So for a spring summer collection or a micro limited summer collection, what better than to have face or eye make-up that makes you feel cooler and refreshed, immediately after application?"
Make-up that offers skin whitening properties
Rudd identifies two other significant trends in the Asian color cosmeitcs segment, which she believes will continue to grow and shape the category in the future.
"One of these trends is that face make-up, as in foundations and powders, is increasingly being offered with whitening properties, so they're not just cosmetically lightening the skin, they are actually physically lightening the skin as well," Rudd said.
"The other trend is adding that extra layer of fairness in color cosmetic formulations. An increasing number of products, particulary in Japan, and now moving into China, are offering UV protection with fairly high SPF and UV protection ratings."
For the lightening effect, Rudd points out that formulators are using natural-based ingredients, such as licorice and vitamin C to help give lightening properties.
Although she does not believe that such products are likely to replace skin care lightening and whitening lotions, she indicates that there is likely to be a place for them to be marketed as 'lightening top ups', specifically designed for Asian complexions.


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"Testing E=mc2 with a Two-Ion Mass Balance
James K. Thompson was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and moved to Orlando, Florida as a child. He pursued his undergraduate studies in physics at the Florida State University as a Barry M. Goldwater and National Merit Scholar, and was named the university-wide academic sophomore, junior, and senior of the year. His undergraduate research at FSU with Edmund G. Myers was on accelerator-based laser spectroscopy of highly charged ions for testing QED. Other work included two stints at Argonne National Laboratory helping to develop the ATLAS particle accelerator (at ANL) and the ATLAS detector (at DESY). After receiving his B.A. in 1995, he continued his research with Myers for his M.S. In 1997, he moved to the Massachusetts Institute of Technolgy where he joined the single-ion mass spectrometry lab of David E. Pritchard. For his Ph.D. work on trapping and detecting single ions in a Penning trap, James developed the equivalent of a two-ion balance that produced the most accurate mass comparisons in the world. these mass comparisons resulted in the most accurate direct test of Einstein's mass-energy relationship E=mc2, as well as the discovery of a new cyclotron frequency shift. The cyclotron frequency shift enabled the most accurate determination of the dipole moment of a charged molecule, and a new method to nondestructively measure the quantum state of a single molecule. Since completing his Ph.D. in 2003, James has been working as a Postdoctoral Fellow with Vladan Vuletic at the MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms. His current research focuses on ensembles of laser-cooled atoms collectively coupled to an optical cavity. The goals of the research include on-demand single photon generation, spin-squeezing, and cooling of atomic and molecular ensembles.
George Gibson (Chair), Deborah Jin, Doug Schumacher, Cass Sacket, Brett Esry


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Gainesville, FL—A branded cosmeceutical supplement has shown impressive results for reducing signs of facial skin aging in a new study published in Natural Medicine Journal.
For six months, 29 women ages 39–67 (mean age of 54) took a supplement (Collagen Booster by Reserveage Organics, based here) that combines collagen (1,000 mg as Biocell Collagen) and trans-resveratrol (100 mg). At baseline, three months and six months, their skin was evaluated by scans and self-reported assessments.
Over the six-month period, the participants' skin improved in several ways. For instance, the amount of visible facial pores and ultraviolet spots improved from baseline, as did body and skin satisfaction. The authors believe additional research is needed to "confirm and clarify the benefits of collagen and resveratrol supplementation in the prevention and management of aging skin and overall physical and psychological health."
Published in WholeFoods Magazine, January 2014 (online 11/20/13)


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The commuter coaches that are owned by Loudoun County have 12 rows of seats, 55 seats total. Each of the aisle seats are equipped with handles to accommodate standees. Since there are 12 rows of seats with handles, 12 additional riders are allowed to stand if they choose to voluntarily. If the bus is at capacity (55 seated and 12 standing), riders will need to wait for the next bus. If the last bus out of the city is full, riders can make a connection to the last Loudoun County Transit bus leaving the Ashburn or Loudoun Gateway Metro Stations.
Commuter Connections' Guaranteed Ride Home program may be an option for you.
Personal items left on a bus normally will remain on the same bus for 24 hours, and then the item will be turned over to Loudoun County staff. Certain items may be removed from the bus immediately at our discretion. All unclaimed items will be held for 30 days. After 30 days, the unclaimed items will be donated or thrown away. Passengers may call the county to check on the status of a lost item at 703-771-5665 or send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com. Any item not claimed within 24 hours may be picked up at the Loudoun County Department of General Services Transit Division. The office is located at 209 Gibson Street NW, Suite 100, in Leesburg.
Loudoun County has a registration procedure for passengers wishing to place bicycles in the luggage bays of the commuter buses. We are all aware of heightened security in this region as well as the whole country relative to potential threats. The county has created this procedure to help alleviate some passenger uncertainty with bicycles being placed on the buses. This registration procedure provides a Bus on Board ID card for every rider who places a bicycle on the commuter buses. This ID card is issued to a rider once the Bike on Bus registration form has been completed and returned to the county. Riders display the ID card to the driver every time they put their bike on the bus. A Bike on Bus card is not needed on any local fixed route bus operating within Loudoun County. All vehicles are equipped with two bicycle racks on the front of the bus.
The LC Alert system is a text messaging / email system that is used to send immediate information to your phone and/or email address. Examples of information sent through LC Alert are: "Route 809 is delayed 10 minutes due to an accident" or "14th St NW is closed between Constitution Ave and F ST NW, if you board the bus at the Reagan Building or at 14th & F St NW, please use the I St NW & 15th St NW stop this afternoon". The Bus Biz email system is used to email future schedule changes or upcoming events. An example of information sent via Bus Biz is: "Next Tuesday is Veterans' Day and the commuter buses will follow the holiday schedule".


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Buy an Axon, Axon II, or Axon Mote and build a great robot, while helping to support SoR.
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Port B is an 8-bit bidirectional I/O port with internal pull-up resistors (selected for eachbit). The Port B output buffers have symmetrical drive characteristics with both high sinkand source capability. As inputs, Port B pins that are externally pulled low will sourcecurrent if the pull-up resistors are activated. The Port B pins are tri-stated when a resetcondition becomes active, even if the clock is not running.Port B also serves the functions of various special features of the ATmega16 as listedon page 58.


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Right angle connectors with 360 degree shielding
Belden's Lumberg Automation product program now include molded M12 male and female right-angle connectors that have 360 deg shielding and can transmit data even in extremely demanding environments.
Belden has extended its Lumberg Automation product program to include new molded M12 male and female right-angle connectors with 360 deg shielding. These connectors permit the reliable transmission of analog and digital data, even in environments with strong electromagnetic fields. The connectors are available as either single-ended or double-ended cordsets for actuators/sensors, Profibus and Ethernet cables, and connection cables. The angular design of the connectors facilitates quick installations, even where space is at a premium.
Product features include an operating temperature range of -25 C to +85 C, high shock and vibration resistance, and IP67, IP68, and IP69K ratings approvals. Capable of withstanding high-pressure/steam-jet cleaning, the male and female connectors can be used even in the harshest environmental conditions. Already including straight connectors with 360 degree shielding, the Lumberg Automation program can now provide an ideal M12 connection cable for actuators/sensors, passive distributors or Profibus/Ethernet modules in almost any installation scenario.
For these 360 deg shielded connectors, actuator/sensor connection cables can be obtained with four, five or eight poles. Depending on the version, the rated voltage is 30, 60 or 240 V ac/dc and the rated current is 4 or 8 A. Insulation resistance is >109 Ω for all versions. The connectors for Profibus and Ethernet cordsets and connection cables are B or D coded, and have a rated current of 4 A and a rated voltage of 60 or 240 V ac/dc.
The molded body and housing are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The insert is either of the same material (Profibus cordsets) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The contacts are gold plated. The molded cables, made of PUR or PVC, are available in lengths of 2, 5, 10 and 15 meters.
See other Control Engineering network and connection products.
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U.SA. – (warsoor) – A U.S. judge has dismissed nationwide litigation accusing Facebook Inc (FB.O) of tracking users' internet activity even after they logged out of the social media website.
In a decision late on Friday, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila in San Jose, California said the plaintiffs failed to show they had a reasonable expectation of privacy, or that they suffered any "realistic" economic harm or loss.
The plaintiffs claimed that Facebook violated federal and California privacy and wiretapping laws by storing cookies on their browsers that tracked when they visited outside websites containing Facebook "like" buttons.
But the judge said the plaintiffs could have taken steps to keep their browsing histories private, and failed to show that Menlo Park, California-based Facebook illegally "intercepted" or eavesdropped on their communications.
"The fact that a user's web browser automatically sends the same information to both parties," meaning Facebook and an outside website, "does not establish that one party intercepted the user's communication with the other," Davila wrote.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond on Monday to requests for comment. Facebook did not immediately respond to a similar request.
Davila said the plaintiffs cannot bring their privacy and wiretapping claims again, but can try to pursue a breach of contract claim again. He had dismissed an earlier version of the 5-1/2-year-old case in October 2015.
The case is In re: Facebook Internet Tracking Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 12-md-02314.
Source: REUTERS
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Wednesday, 16 February 2022
Welcome To Our New Website!
We are proud to launch our new practice website, which aims to provide patients with a convenient way of finding out practice news, patient services & health resources, 24 hours a day & 7 days a week.
The links on the home page offer trusted advice about self-care for minor illnesses & ailments, when to seek advice from a health professional, & which part of the NHS is best placed to meet your needs.
We hope that you find what you are looking for. Please contact our reception if you have any questions or feedback about the website, so we can make it as useful as possible for our patients.


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Durban ( DUR-bən) (Zulu: eThekwini, from itheku meaning 'the port' also called Zulu: eZibubulungwini for the mountain range that terminates in the area), nicknamed Durbs, is the third most populous city in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town and the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal. Durban forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which includes neighbouring towns and has a population of about 3.44 million, making the combined municipality one of the largest cities on the Indian Ocean coast of the African continent. Durban was also one of the host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Durban was formerly named Port Natal due to its position as the chief seaport of South Africa, and its location on the Natal Bay of the Indian Ocean. Durban is a highly ethnically diverse city, with large Zulu, White, and Indian/Asian populations.
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5 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day in Princeton
On the day where we go out of our way to show our moms exactly how much they mean to us, Princeton provides plenty of options. Whether Mom wants a show, a stroll or a shopping trip, there's something for everyone in our roundup below.
Kick off the day with a fragrant bouquet of freshly cut, elegantly arranged flowers. Our friends at Viburnum Designs can help you find the perfect combination.
Mother's Day brunch at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room has been a beloved tradition in Princeton for generations. Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience that mom will love. See the full menu here.
Drop by Palmer Square where mom can take her pick from familiar brand names such as Ann Taylor and Ralph Lauren, or the many unique locally-owned boutiques, spas, and galleries.
Take a leisurely stroll around downtown Princeton and through the stunning Princeton University campus. While there, visit the Princeton University Art Museum and Prospect Gardens for even more fun.
Take in a show at the world renowned McCarter Theater. See what's scheduled for Mother's Day here.


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One of the most demanding mountain bike races in North America takes place today in Leadville, Colorado, where some of the top riders in the world will compete in the legendary Leadville 100 MTB. The race features a course that offers plenty of difficult climbs made all the more challenging due to the altitude at which the event takes place.
The Leadville 100 MTB was first held back in 1994 and over the years grew in popularity amongst the hardcore mountain biking community. The event, which was the subject of a 2010 documentary film entitled "Race Across The Sky," gained a much wider audience in 2008 when seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong decided to compete. Armstrong came in second behind six-time defending champ Dave Wiens, but returned in 2009 to avenge the loss, crushing the old course record in the process. His participation in the Leadville 100 led to other pro riders joining the race in 2010 and 2011 and what was once a great event for amateur riders has now grown into a much larger affair.
The starting line for the course is located in downtown Leadville, which sits at an altitude of 10,200 feet. From there, riders will begin a 50-mile out and back ride that features over 14,000 total feet of climbing, going as high as 12,424 feet. It is a grueling test of endurance and skill that requires as much mental strength as it does physical. Fast pro riders will finish the race in around six and a half hours, but most riders will come in much later than that.
If mountain biking isn't your thing and you'd rather hit the trail on foot, next week Leadville plays host to the Leadville Trail 100 Run, a 100-mile long ultra-marathon that is even more grueling than the bike ride. Personally, I'll stick with the bike.
[Photo courtesy Leadville 100 MTB]
"Race Across The Sky 2010" from Citizen Pictures on Vimeo.